Public Garden Horticulture Lead — Assistant Director

Montgomery Parks; Wheaton (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery Parks seeks an Assistant Director for Horticulture to lead outdoor horticulture and grounds operations at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, and McCrillis Gardens in Bethesda. Reporting to the Brookside Gardens Director, the role directs design, installation, maintenance, and stewardship of gardens and plant collections year-round.

The ideal candidate combines horticultural expertise with strong leadership, budgeting, and project management, while mentoring staff, coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred for leadership responsibilities.
• Four years of professional horticulture experience required; equivalent education/experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, installation, and renewal of garden displays across Brookside Gardens and McCrillis Gardens.
• Guide stewardship of plant collections, promoting biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
• Support garden improvement projects and long-term planning initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop career staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers.
• Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and volunteers.
• Direct planning and implementation of signature events like Garden of Lights.
• Serve as horticultural ambassador and technical resource for visitors and groups.
• Collaborate on outreach, education programs, and communications.
• Manage budgets, contracts, procurement, and plant records for programs.

Skills

Horticultural leadership

Staff mentorship

Budgeting & project management

Public garden programming

Plant health & biodiversity

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture

Advanced degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related field

Tools

Budgeting software

CAD/landscape design software

Job description

Montgomery Parks seeks an Assistant Director for Horticulture to lead outdoor horticulture and grounds operations at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, and McCrillis Gardens in Bethesda. Reporting to the Brookside Gardens Director, the role directs design, installation, maintenance, and stewardship of gardens and plant collections year-round.

The ideal candidate combines horticultural expertise with strong leadership, budgeting, and project management, while mentoring staff, coordinating